Rise Of Hitler And Nazi Germany Quiz!

1.

What was the strength of the proportional representation system adopted by the Weimar Republic?

A.

It was democratic
B.

It allowed for a wide range of ideas to be represented in parliament
C.

It led to frequent elections for new governments from 1919-1933
D.

Parties needed to form a coalition in order to gain a majority in the government

Correct Answer
B. It allowed for a wide range of ideas to be represented in parliament

Explanation
The strength of the proportional representation system adopted by the Weimar Republic was that it allowed for a wide range of ideas to be represented in parliament. This means that multiple political parties with different ideologies and perspectives could participate in the government, ensuring that diverse voices were heard and considered in decision-making processes. It promoted inclusivity and pluralism, contributing to a more democratic system of governance.

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2.

List the structural weaknesses of the Weimar Government:

A.

Proportional Representation led to too many views being represented in Parliament & difficulty in achieving a consensus
B.

Coalition governments required several parties combining their votes to achieve 51%, which led to break-ups when parties could not resolve their differences
C.

Voting was required on a frequent basis
D.

Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution allowed for the President to dissolve parliament during emergencies which were never properly defined. Allowed for abuse of power
E.

Democracy was unpopular in Germany and people preferred an authoritarian leader like the Kaiser

Correct Answer(s)
A. Proportional Representation led to too many views being represented in Parliament & difficulty in achieving a consensus
B. Coalition governments required several parties combining their votes to achieve 51%, which led to break-ups when parties could not resolve their differences
D. Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution allowed for the President to dissolve parliament during emergencies which were never properly defined. Allowed for abuse of power

Explanation
The Weimar Government had several structural weaknesses that contributed to its instability. Proportional Representation meant that a wide range of views were represented in Parliament, making it difficult to reach a consensus and make decisive decisions. Coalition governments were often formed, requiring multiple parties to combine their votes to achieve a majority. However, this led to frequent break-ups when parties could not resolve their differences. Additionally, Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution allowed the President to dissolve Parliament during emergencies, but the definition of an emergency was vague, leading to potential abuse of power. These weaknesses, combined with the unpopularity of democracy in Germany, created a favorable environment for an authoritarian leader like the Kaiser.

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3.

The Weimar government lacked support from the people because:

A.

It replaced a highly successful Kaiser
B.

There were several attempts to overthrow the government
C.

The government allowed communists to be represented
D.

They were seen as responsible for signing the Treaty of Versailles, subjecting Germany to great humiliation

Correct Answer
D. They were seen as responsible for signing the Treaty of Versailles, subjecting Germany to great humiliation

Explanation
The Weimar government lacked support from the people because they were seen as responsible for signing the Treaty of Versailles, subjecting Germany to great humiliation. The treaty imposed heavy reparations on Germany, leading to economic hardships and resentment among the population. The government was blamed for accepting the terms of the treaty, which further weakened their legitimacy in the eyes of the people. This perception of humiliation and betrayal contributed to the lack of support for the Weimar government.

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4.

The Weimar Republic deployed the Freikorp (Germany Army) to shoot communists publicly during the Spartacist Rebellion.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
During the Spartacist Rebellion, the Weimar Republic did deploy the Freikorps, which was a paramilitary organization composed of former German soldiers, to suppress the uprising. The Freikorps were known for their brutal tactics, and they did engage in violent clashes with the Spartacists. Therefore, it is true that the Weimar Republic deployed the Freikorps to shoot communists publicly during the Spartacist Rebellion.

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5.

What were the key aims of right-wing extremist groups?

A.

Germany should not be solely responsible for WWI
B.

The Treaty of Versailles must be abolished ASAP
C.

Remilitarization of the German forces
D.

Authoritarian or Dictatorial leader
E.

Blaming the November Criminals for defeat in WWI; getting rid of government using force if necessary

Correct Answer(s)
A. Germany should not be solely responsible for WWI
B. The Treaty of Versailles must be abolished ASAP
C. Remilitarization of the German forces
D. Authoritarian or Dictatorial leader
E. Blaming the November Criminals for defeat in WWI; getting rid of government using force if necessary

Explanation
Right-wing extremist groups aimed to shift the blame for World War I away from Germany and reject the notion that Germany was solely responsible for the war. They also sought to abolish the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh terms on Germany after the war. Additionally, they advocated for the remilitarization of the German forces and the establishment of an authoritarian or dictatorial leader. Furthermore, they blamed the November Criminals for Germany's defeat in World War I and were willing to use force to remove the government if necessary.

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6.

Post-war Germany struggled with poverty, high unemployment & a fragile economy. When the Weimar government failed to repay war reparations, France and Belgium seized Ruhr, where mines, factories, and railways were. The government encouraged workers to go on strike while printing money to pay them. This led to a _______ as the value of money decreased.

Correct Answer(s)
hyperinflation

Explanation
After World War I, Germany faced severe economic challenges including poverty, high unemployment, and a fragile economy. The Weimar government's inability to repay war reparations resulted in France and Belgium seizing control of the Ruhr region, which was rich in mines, factories, and railways. To support the striking workers, the government resorted to printing more money, leading to a situation of hyperinflation. As more money was circulated, its value decreased rapidly, causing prices to skyrocket and the economy to spiral out of control.

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7.

During the Great Depression which started in 1929, Germany experienced the following problems when the USA recalled both loans:

A.

Factories closed down
B.

6 million unemployed by 1930
C.

Government cut social services
D.

Coalition governments could not pass laws effectively to deal with the economic crisis, leading to 5 elections from 1929 - 1933 January

Correct Answer(s)
A. Factories closed down
C. Government cut social services
D. Coalition governments could not pass laws effectively to deal with the economic crisis, leading to 5 elections from 1929 - 1933 January

Explanation
During the Great Depression, Germany faced several problems due to the recall of loans by the USA. Factories closed down, leading to a decline in production and loss of jobs. The government, facing financial constraints, had to cut social services, further exacerbating the economic crisis. Additionally, the presence of coalition governments hindered the effective passing of laws to address the crisis, resulting in political instability and the need for five elections between 1929 and January 1933.

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8.

Under Hitler, Nazi ideology included the following:

A.

Superiority of the Aryan race
B.

Anti-semitism
C.

Abolition of Treaty of Versailles
D.

Anschluss between Germany and Austria
E.

Nationalisation of large businesses
F.

Anti-communism
G.

Attainment of Lebensraum - 'living space' in Eastern Europe

Correct Answer(s)
A. Superiority of the Aryan race
B. Anti-semitism
C. Abolition of Treaty of Versailles
D. Anschluss between Germany and Austria
E. Nationalisation of large businesses
F. Anti-communism
G. Attainment of Lebensraum - 'living space' in Eastern Europe

Explanation
Under Hitler, Nazi ideology included the belief in the superiority of the Aryan race and the promotion of anti-Semitism. They also aimed to abolish the Treaty of Versailles, which they saw as unfair and humiliating to Germany. Hitler sought to unite Germany and Austria through the Anschluss, and he advocated for the nationalization of large businesses. The Nazis were strongly opposed to communism and aimed to eradicate it. Additionally, they sought to expand German territory and gain "living space" in Eastern Europe, a concept known as Lebensraum.

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9.

What were Hitler's main strengths as leader of the Nazi Party?

A.

He was charismatic and engaged his audiences deeply during his speeches
B.

He exploited the rich people's fears of communism using the example of USSR
C.

He manipulated other politicians to believe that he would work with them to support the Reichstag and deal with communists
D.

He re-organised the Party to improve its structure and popularity, via propaganda, the Hitler Youth, SA & SS
E.

All of the above

Correct Answer
E. All of the above

Explanation
Hitler's main strengths as leader of the Nazi Party included his charisma and ability to deeply engage audiences during his speeches. He also effectively exploited the fears of communism among the rich by highlighting the example of the USSR. Additionally, he manipulated other politicians by convincing them that he would work with them to support the Reichstag and combat communists. Furthermore, Hitler re-organized the Party, improving its structure and popularity through the use of propaganda, the Hitler Youth, SA, and SS. Therefore, all of the above statements accurately describe Hitler's main strengths as a leader of the Nazi Party.

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